Tag Archives: suspension problems

Honda Civic – Noise From Front Suspension While Turning

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In a concerning development affecting certain 2022-2024 Honda Civic vehicles, an incorrectly assembled steering rack has raised concerns. This assembly issue may lead to potential tire damage, as the tire could come into contact with the lower suspension or tie rod ends. Specifically, the vehicles affected are those 2022-2024 Civic 4-door and Civic 5-door models that had a replacement power steering rack installed as part of a service repair.

Honda became aware of the problem in July 2023, when they were contacted by their steering rack assembly manufacturer about certain assemblies that may have been improperly put together. As a result, Honda swiftly initiated an investigation into this matter, which eventually revealed a defect posing a risk to vehicle safety. In response, Honda made the responsible choice to launch a safety recall.

Flat tire

According to the defect report, the steering racks produced as replacement parts for Honda dealerships had been assembled with an incorrect stroke length setting. When the steering rack’s stroke extends beyond a certain length during driving, it brings the tire into proximity with the lower suspension arm and/or tie rod end. Such contact can lead to tire damage or a potential puncture, thereby heightening the likelihood of an accident or injury.

An early indicator that the issue exists includes an unusual noise emanating from the front tire/suspension area, particularly when making turns.

Honda is taking measures to address this concern. Owners who receive notifications will be urged to return to their Honda dealerships to have the electric power steering rack carefully inspected. If necessary, the steering rack will be replaced to ensure the vehicle’s safety. It’s anticipated that notification letters will be dispatched to owners starting on December 4, 2023. For reference, the recall is identified by Honda as YFW, and the corresponding NHTSA campaign number is 23V-704.

GM Suspension Bolts Could Fracture

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When it comes to vehicle safety, every component plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and secure ride. Recently, General Motors (GM) discovered a potential issue with improperly heat-treated suspension bolts in select Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC vehicles. This problem, if left unaddressed, could lead to serious safety concerns, including misaligned rear wheels and an increased risk of accidents.

In August 2023, a plant quality manager at GM’s Arlington, TX assembly plant uncovered a concerning issue. They identified that as many as 223 vehicles may have received improperly heat-treated bolts during the manufacturing process. Unfortunately, these vehicles were not contained at the plant, which raised alarm bells. Of the affected vehicles, 189 were located in the United States.

In response to this discovery, GM initiated a comprehensive investigation into the issue. Extensive testing and analysis were conducted to determine the potential consequences of these improperly heat-treated bolts. What they found was alarming: in the event of a control arm separation, there was a distinct possibility of rear wheel misalignment that could adversely affect the vehicle’s handling.

It is worth noting that, up to this point, GM had not received any reports of field incidents related to this condition. Recognizing the potential risks associated with the improperly heat-treated suspension bolts, GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority (SFADA) made a decision in September to conduct a safety recall to address the issue.

The vehicles affected by this recall include the following 2023 models:

  • Cadillac Escalade
  • Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • Chevrolet Suburban
  • Chevrolet Tahoe
  • GMC Yukon
  • GMC Yukon XL

If you own one of the aforementioned vehicles and receive a recall notice, it is crucial to act promptly. GM will ask you to return to your authorized dealer to have both rear suspension outer control arm bolts replaced. This proactive step is vital to ensure your safety and the proper functioning of your vehicle. To facilitate this process, GM has assigned a unique recall number for this issue, N232415910, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has assigned the campaign number 23V-642.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Incorrectly Installed Rear Coil Springs

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Chrysler (FCA) has recently taken steps to address a potential safety issue that could pose a risk to owners of certain 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. The concern revolves around the rear coil springs, which may have been incorrectly installed during the manufacturing process. This misalignment could lead to the complete detachment of the coil spring while the vehicle is in motion, potentially increasing the likelihood of accidents.

In response to reports received in March 2023 about a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee experiencing a rear coil spring detachment while driving, FCA US Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) launched an investigation. The aim was to thoroughly examine the situation, including the design and assembly process of the coil spring, as well as reviewing measurement data for both the part and the affected vehicles. Although no accidents or injuries have been reported thus far, FCA US has decided to initiate a safety recall for the impacted models as a proactive measure.

The defect report indicates that certain 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles were built with rear coil springs that may not have been properly installed. This installation error could result in the coil spring shifting out of its intended position. If the rear coil spring becomes detached while the vehicle is in motion, it can pose a hazard not only to the occupants of the affected Jeep but also to operators and passengers of other vehicles sharing the road. The sudden detachment of the coil spring without any warning can potentially lead to accidents and cause injuries.

To address this issue, Chrysler authorized dealerships will conduct thorough inspections of the rear coil spring assemblies in the affected vehicles. If any problems are identified, the necessary repairs will be carried out promptly. It is crucial for owners of the impacted Jeep models to have their vehicles inspected to ensure that the rear coil springs are correctly installed, thereby mitigating the risk associated with this issue.

For reference, the safety recall associated with this concern has been assigned the identification number 64A by FCA. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has designated the corresponding campaign as number 23V-413.

Lemon Alert – 2018 Jeep Wrangler SUV Later Release

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The 2018 Jeep Wrangler SUV Later Release, a popular off-road vehicle, has been the subject of numerous recalls and investigations. Many of these problems substantially impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle. There have been a total of 11 recalls issued for the 2018 model year Jeep Wrangler Later Release. Some of the major issues include problems such as corrosion of the left rear frame section, incorrect transmission park rods, a cruise control system that cannot be canceled, and a voltage regulator that may fail and cause the vehicle to stall.

Although a recall hasn’t been issued since 2021, there are 5 ongoing investigations affecting the 2018 Jeep Wrangler SUV Later Release. These investigations include an examination of frame weld deficiencies, electrical over stress in the air bag ACU, seat belt buckle bracket failures, weld quality deficiencies, and the risk of desiccated air bag inflator ruptures.

The 2018 2018 Jeep Wrangler SUV Later Release has received the highest number of complaints for Jeep Wrangler built in the last fifteen years. Some of the major complaints include:

  • Service Brakes (21)
  • Vehicle Speed Control (15)
  • Fuel/Propulsion System (10)
  • Seats (10)
  • Exterior Lighting (8)
  • SEAT Belts (7)
  • Air Bags (7)
  • Lane Departure (5)
  • Steering (995)
  • Suspension (303)
  • Electrical System (120)
  • Power Train (91)
  • Structure (78)
  • Wheels (54)
  • Electronic Stability Control (46)
  • Engine (42)
  • Visibility/Wiper (33)

These recalls, investigations and complaints are a cause for concern. It is important to note that safety issues and repeated problems could mean your Jeep Wrangler is a Lemon. The California lemon law provides a solution for California consumers who have repeated problems with their vehicles. It applies to all new and many used vehicles, whether purchased or leased, for personal and most small business use.

Call us today at 888-EX-LEMON or 888-395-3666 for a free consultation, or complete the short form at the top of this page.

Rear Suspension Toe Link Could Separate On Cadillac And GMC SUVs

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General Motors (GM) has decided that a safety defect affecting suspension exists in certain 2022 Cadillac XT5, 2022 Cadillac XT6, and 2022 GMC Acadia vehicles. Owners will be receiving notices with instructions to return to their Cadillac or GMC dealer to have the suspension in their vehicle inspected and repaired as necessary.

GM became aware of the problem in March 2022, after a quality engineer at one of GM’s assembly plants identified a Cadillac XT6 that was missing a toe link to a knuckle bolt in the vehicle’s left side rear suspension. The manufacturing records showed that the bolt had been fully tightened, but further investigation found that the supplier’s error-proofing equipment had been improperly configured following a change in the assembly process. As a result, the tool operator could have failed to fully tighten the bolt without the error-proofing equipment detecting it.

According to the defect report, after an assembly process was moved to a new area, error-proofing equipment was not initially set up properly. This allowed a window where the operator may miss tightening certain fasteners without the failure being flagged. The affected toe links may be loose or become separated, resulting in misalignment of the left-rear wheel and increasing the risk of a crash

GM investigated the potentially affected population and inspected 271 suspensions that had been contained at the plant, with six more instances of loose fasteners identified. Although GM have not received any claims or complaints related to the subject condition and they are not aware of any associated accidents or injuries but have decided to conduct a safety recall.

Dealers will inspect the left-rear suspension and replace the fastener if it is loose or missing. GM’s number for this recall is N222364330 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-427. Approximately 736 vehicles may be affected.

Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 Ball Joint Failure

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In December 2020, Fox Factory received its first reports that certain GM vehicles fitted with Tuscany lift kits could experienced partial or complete wheel separation while in operation. Fox began reviewing field data and started a safety investigation to assess the failure mode, the failure rate and potential causes of the problem. By September 2021 Fox identified 28 warranty claims and field or service reports potentially relating to this issue and decided to initiate a voluntary safety recall.

According to the defect report, “Accelerated wear on the vehicle OEM installed ball joint in the front upper control arm can result in premature ball joint failure and a front wheel separation while the vehicle is in motion .”

Failure of a ball joint in a front upper control arm may be preceded by noise and / or a feeling of clicking in the steering, abnormal front tire wear and abnormal steering.

The Vehicles Affected Include:
2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2019-2021 GMC Sierra 1500

New Tuscany front upper control arms will be installed in place of the GM front upper control arms. The fix will include upgraded front upper control arms with stronger and less corrosion sceptible ball joints. NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V718.

2017 Fiat Spider 124
California Lemon Law Success

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Our client bought a new 2017 Fiat Spider 124.

Her first visit to the authorized service department was on January 23, 2018. There were two problems at the time. The first problem was that the check engine light was on and the other was a very serious problem as the vehicle had lost power while she was driving.

The next visit was on June 1st. It was in for a coolant leak, the vehicle RPMs were revving high and she requested they inspect the rear suspension as the tires were wearing unevenly. Her Fiat was at the dealership for 28 days.

It was at this point that she wanted to know more about the California Lemon Law and if she was driving a lemon.

She contacted the Law Office of Barry L. Edzant, a California Lemon Law Attorney with over 32 years of specializing in the Lemon Law. She spoke with Mr. Edzant and he then asked her to email some documents for him to review. After Barry reviewed the paperwork and explained to the client her rights, she decided to retain our law firm. A letter was sent to FCA, USA demanding that they buy back the vehicle under the California Lemon Law.

Our firm successfully got a full repurchase for our client for her defective 2017 Fiat Spider 124. The buyback included the reimbursement of all payments made to date, the down payment, the registration, paying off the loan less a mileage deduction allowed under the California Lemon Law. FCA also paid for the attorney fees.

If you think your vehicle may be a lemon, please contact the Law Office of Barry L. Edzant at 888-395-3666. We’ll be happy to answer your questions. We are a California statewide Lemon Law firm.

2019-2020 Toyota Rav4 and Rav4 Hybrid Suspension Cracks

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Toyota will be contacting the owners of certain 2019-2020 Rav4 and Rav4 Hybrid vehicles because of a problem that could exists with the front lower suspension.

According to the defect report, the lower suspension arms connecting the front wheels to the vehicle front cross member may be defective due to improper production conditions at the steel supplier. If a vehicle with an affected suspension arm is repeatedly driven with rapid acceleration and deceleration, it is possible that cracks could propagate throughout the arm, causing it to eventually separate from the front wheel assembly. The problem could result in loss of vehicle control and an increased risk of a crash.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have both front lower suspension arms replaced. Toyota’s interim numbers for this recall are 20TB08 / 20TA08 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-286.